Once he turned in his firesuit, Kennedy moved into. [5], Kennedy has been ranked as one of the most influential women in sports by numerous publications. "You used to think your home would be a safe haven for you," said Pina Kaplan, a neighbor who has organized two memorials today at the crash site. 1. NASCAR executive VP Lesa France Kennedy interview - Sports Illustrated Wind gusts will top 20 mph. Lesa France Kennedy, (born Lesa Dawn France on May 24, 1961) is the chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation and vice chairperson of the board of directors of NASCAR. NASCAR mom Lesa France Kennedy talks son, Ben, 2023 Oscars: Watch scenes from the best picture nominees, Studying Nature's secrets, and animals' medical superpowers, This week on "Sunday Morning" (February 26), an up-and-coming driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Video: NASCAR mom Lesa France Kennedy talks son, Ben. "But even though it was expected, not easy. Discover Lesa Kennedys Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. At the moment, reports say a four-year-old is missing. Lesa France Kennedy. She'll talk about it; then she'll just kind of shut down to a degree," Woodard said. "Sunday Morning," hosted by Charles Osgood, is broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:30 a.m. John Hunter Nemechek won last weekend at Auto Club Speedway. Lesa France Kennedy of Nascar on Taking the Lead in a Family Business For Lesa France Kennedy, C.E.O. SANFORD -- Joe Woodard could have started over somewhere else. Faith, family and friends have made life bearable for Woodard and others left behind. "You couldn't write it any better than that," Lesa France Kennedy said. Who had a bad race:John Hunter Nemechek and Hailie Deegan were involved in a crash on the final lap of the second stage. Kennedy notably oversaw two major racetrack development projects in building Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway and expanding NASCARs portfolio into two major Midwest markets. 2019 married Bill Christy, CEO CLASH USA a sports event media company. Lesa France Kennedy is the Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR. He was followed by Ross Chastain and Kyle Busch. Saturday: Partly cloudy with a high of 65. She also led the revitalization of Phoenix Raceway completing its renovation in 2018 and Daytona International Speedways $400 million redevelopments in 2016. She also led the revitalization of Phoenix Raceway completing its renovation in 2018 and Daytona . His sister, Lesa France Kennedy, runs the family's publicly traded track-operating company, International Speedway Corp. Jim France -- brother of Bill France Jr. -- and Lesa France Kennedy are . Celebs Wiki Lesa Kennedy fans also viewed: Francisco Almeida Lakshmi Mittal George Nelson Alexandru Dabija Waldemar Krzystek Nicky Verstappen Bryan Llenas Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with all of those who were involved in this tragic accident and their families. [2] Kennedy joined ISC in 1983 and was named to the board of directors one year later. Most recently, Kennedy was named chief executive officer in April 2009. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? Lesa France Kennedy is the Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR. NASCAR 75: France family built US racing at Daytona Beach Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [13] Five people were killed, including two small children. "It is clear that numerous families were affected by this terrible tragedy and unfortunately several people were deceased or seriously injured. Lesa Kennedy (Lesa Dawn France) was born on 24 May, 1961, is a CEO of International Speedway CorporationExecutive Vice President of NASCAR. in Economics and a B.A. He gets therapy every day but has begun attending school, David Cruz said. Stellantis CEOs Candid Ideas on Electrification, An All-Electric Adventure Bike? Today, however, he's an up-and-coming driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, which sets up the possibility of him someday winning at Daytona, the track founded by his great grandfather. LAST YEAR:Joey Logano won last years playoff race. A. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 24 May. At least one other adult has died as well as two children. Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 59 years old? Her husband is Dr. Bruce Kennedy (m. ?2007). In her more than 30-year career with ISC (International Speedway Corporation),. "Dr. Kennedy was the husband of NASCAR Board Member and ISC President Lesa France Kennedy. It is uncertain whether the Dechats will ever return to live there. Her will, filed in Volusia County (Florida) court last week, is dated Nov. 4, 2004 -- the same date as the will signed by her husband, who was the son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and died in 2007. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. We will provide additional information as it becomes available. Also learn how She earned most of networth at the age of 59 years old? Twenty family members own shares in publicly traded International Speedway Corp. Related by financial asset: International Speedway Corp. (Cl A). Lesa France Kennedy serves on the Board of Directors of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), the NASCAR Foundation and the Board of Advisors of Moffitt Cancer Center. Las Vegas represents the middle race in the three-race West Coast swing. Lesa Kennedys income source is mostly from being a successful . At 60 years old, Lesa Kennedy height not available right now. Betty Jane France evenly split her property and assets among her two children, Lesa France Kennedy and Brian France, and gave them control of her two trusts, according to her will. Lesa Dawn Kennedy, Age 61 aka Lesa D France Current Address: AJQK N Halifax Ave, Daytona Beach, FL Past Addresses: Daytona Beach FL, Daytona Beach FL +3 more Phone Number: (386) 236- XEKS +5 phones Email Address: b IXGJ @aol.com +4 emails UNLOCK PROFILE Phone & Email (11) All Addresses (6) Family (4) Social (187) Court (9) And More Phone & Email Women In NASCAR: Lesa France Kennedy - YouTube 0:00 / 2:26 Women In NASCAR: Lesa France Kennedy 2,104 views Mar 22, 2016 51 Dislike Share Save NASCAR 880K subscribers NASCAR.com takes a look. The story behind the new multisport series and its speedway thrills", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lesa_France_Kennedy&oldid=1141967578, Duke University Trinity College of Arts and Sciences alumni, Women in American professional sports management, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Bill Christy (married 2019-present); Bruce Kennedy (deceased 2007), This page was last edited on 27 February 2023, at 20:28. Learn How rich is She in this year and how She spends money? FORECAST: Weather Underground Partly cloudy with a high of 58 degrees and a zero percent chance of rain at the start of the race. Related Tags: Information on keynote speaking engagements, personal appearances, corporate entertainment and appearance fees for Lesa France Kennedy, an inspirational motivational speaker. Lesa France Kennedy, (born Lesa Dawn France on May 24, 1961) is the chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation and vice chairperson of the board of directors of NASCAR. Reigning series champion Zane Smith, who won the season opener at Daytona, finished second. Kennedy tells Miller that "2007 was the toughest year of our life," noting her father had been ill for some time. Kennedy is the granddaughter of NASCAR Founder Bill France . [1], Kennedy received a B.A. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Lesa France Kennedy is the Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR and one of the most influential women in sports. "I was on trash patrol," he says. Cole Custer (182.500) qualified third. NASCAR is currently run by his 78-year-old uncle, chairman Jim France, and his mother, Lesa France Kennedy, the executive vice chairman. Lesa Dawn Kennedy (France) - Genealogy - geni family tree At this time, we can confirm there were two people on-board, including the pilot, Dr. Bruce Kennedy and Michael Klemm, a senior captain with NASCAR Aviation. Buoyed by public markets, the average net worth of 400 U.S. richest rose $800 million to a record $5 billion. Five people were killed, including two small children. She served as ISC's secretary from 198796 and as its treasurer from 1989-96. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. He had control of the tracks and NASCAR, which is now divided in two with Lesa (France Kennedy, president of International Speedway Corp. that controls 12 tracks) and (NASCAR Chairman) Brian. Andrew Lawrence. Chandler Smith scored his first career Xfinity pole, posting the fastest lap in Friday nights Xfinity Series qualifying session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Nemechek finished 31st. It should be the last episodes. That home burned immediately, as did a home next door. Their son, Ben, is a driver with Red Horse Racing, as was his cousin, J.C. France (Jim's son)- formerly with AX Racing. According to the 2016 ISC proxy statement, Betty Jane France owned 24.7 percent of the voting stock, which included her portion of the France Family Group's shares. In her more than 30 years with ISC, she advanced through several key executive positions with increasing responsibility including Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Vice President. Who had a good race: Reigning series champion Zane Smith, who is the points leader this season, has opened the season with a win and a runner-up finish. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. She is from . Manchester City are now ready to sell Bernardo Silva to FC Barcelona and have named their asking price for the Portuguese midfielder, according to reports. Winds 20-30 mph. CEO of International Speedway CorporationExecutive Vice President of NASCAR. Our car experts choose every product we feature. Busch is competing in all three national series races this weekend at Las Vegas. Deegan could not continue and finished 32nd. There is no mention of such assets nor such directive in Betty Jane's will. [1] Education and career [ edit] Kennedy received a B.A. Coffee with Kyle: Conversation with Lesa France Kennedy And, yes, we've come a long way, baby! The suspected poison attacks are said to have been lasting at least three months and are ongoing. Tyler Reddick (179.683) qualified 15th. Ty Majeski placed fifth, giving him finishes of sixth or better in the first two races of the season. Lesa Kennedy (Lesa Dawn France) was born on 24 May, 1961, is a CEO of International Speedway CorporationExecutive Vice President of NASCAR. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced a sweeping plan intended to modernize and expand Frances train system as part of a larger effort to battle climate change. "Their spirituality is really keeping them intact right now," Cruz said. AAE is one of the premier celebrity booking agencies and top keynote speakers bureaus in the world. Lesa Kennedys income source is mostly from being a successful . Few were happy with Brian France's leadership style, and when he was arrested. Current ISC chief executive Lesa France Kennedy is Brian's older sister; she was married to a plastic surgeon, Dr. Bruce Kennedy, who died in a dramatic plane crash in 2007. She also led the revitalization of Phoenix Raceway completing its renovation in 2018 and Daytona . in Psychology from Duke University in 1983. Mason Maggio and Ryan Vargas each failed to qualify. Kennedy's husband, Dr. Bruce Kennedy, was killed when a plane he was travelling in crashed into two homes in Sanford, Florida on July 10, 2007. She served as ISC's secretary from 198796 and as its treasurer from 1989-96. The granddaughter of NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr., she is also the daughter of Bill France, Jr., who was vice chairman of NASCAR when he died after a long illness in 2007. 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved. Kyle Petty sits down with Lesa France Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice chair, in the most recent Coffee with Kyle episode (view it above). Peter Dechat was able to have a brief but "beautiful" reunion with family in April, Cruz said. She is an avid supporter of the American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, Victory Junction Gang, and Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences. NASCAR closes merger with ISC | NASCAR.com Net Worth: $875 million Age: 52 Source: racing One of the most powerful women in sports, Kennedy is the granddaughter of Nascar founder William France Sr. (d. 1992). Stage 2 ends at Lap 165. At 61 years old, Lesa Kennedy height not available right now. A family friend, David Cruz, said 11-year-old Daniel Happy will likely have to live near Shriners Hospitals for Children-Cincinnati for several years. And it didn't work out that way.". Jurnee Productions' namesake enjoys gymnastics and playing with her cousins, her father said. Brian's uncle, James France, formerly served as CEO of NASCAR's sister company, International Speedway Corp. and still holds sway in the family business as NASCAR Vice Chairman. Both are a total loss. "My heart is broken. Kyle Busch (180.156) qualified 11th. twitter wikipedia Contents Net worth FAQs Born Spouse Parents Sibling Children Education Youtube Videos Twitter Tweets News Podcast Instagram Facebook Chart Lesa Kennedy net worth 1.36 Million Millions of dollars 81% ", Sandra Pedicini and Sentinel Staff Writer. Brock Lesnar could be making his WWE exit in the near future. Kennedy notably oversaw two major racetrack development projects in building Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway and expanding NASCAR's portfolio into two major Midwest markets. From left, Brian France, Lesa France Kennedy and Jim France pose prior to the 2010 NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony. [9] In 2016, Adweek named her one of the "30 Most Powerful Women in Sports". Kennedy's conscious leadership, authenticity and incredible vision make her one of the most influential leaders in the motorsports industry, leading Forbes to select her twice as the Most Powerful Woman in Sports (2009, 2015). He was in surgery Wednesday, family pastor Roger Thomas said, and is expected to have several more operations. Book Lesa France Kennedy | Speakers Bureau | Booking Agent Info This is where we built our life.". Friday 5: Corey LaJoies personal reset included hair cut, Dr. Diandra: 3 reasons to bet on Ross Chastain at Vegas, NASCAR suspends crew members for wheel coming off Martin Truexs car, NASCAR makes rule changes for road courses, many short tracks, NASCAR Power Rankings: Kyle Busch climbs to No. In that. Lesa France Kennedy, (born Lesa Dawn France on May 24, 1961) is the chief executive officer of International Speedway Corporation and a member of the board of directors of NASCAR. His mother, Milagros "Millie" Dechat, now lives in the Cincinnati area with him. Lesa France Kennedy, his sister, ran International Speedway Corp., the arm of the family that owned racetracks. ISC CEO: NASCAR's France family remains committed to Daytona of the International Speedway Corporation and vice chairwoman of Nascar, inheriting the. Brett Moffitt (182.211) qualified fourth. Mother and son are on a trip to Africa today -- the one the family had planned to leave for the day Kennedy died, family friend Random Burnett said. Cup Series drivers will practice and qualify Saturday before the Xfinity Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. These unicorns are forever changing the way we interact with money. Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/NASCAR/Getty Images. in Psychology from Duke University in 1983. All American Entertainment Named to Inc. Best Workplaces in 2022. While Delta pilots have signed a new contract and American pilots appear to be moving quickly towards one, United pilots appear to be lagging. ET Saturday. "You wake up one day, and your whole life is in shambles.". The. Lesa Dawn Kennedy, Daytona Beach, FL (32118) - Spokeo Lesa France Kennedy '83 MoreDocumenting Duke: Student race car driver Paul Harraka talks about balancing his career with life at Duke. Peter Dechat's mother in Virginia has been caring for him. It was a beautiful day and we were going on a trip later that day. Jake Garcia was the top-finishing rookie, placing 10th. Lesa France Kennedy Hall of Fame bio | NASCAR bio for Lesa France Kennedy agency, manager, speaker fees, speaking agency entertainment booking agency, speaker's fee, how to book, booking agencies for lectures, speaking event, celebrity appearances for hire, who is agent, manager, publicist, who represents, speakers bureau management who represents Lesa France Kennedy. In his will, Bill France Jr. granted all voting rights of assets of his estate to Betty Jane and Lesa. One of the most powerful women in sports, Kennedy is the granddaughter of Nascar founder William France Sr. (d. 1992). Next: The series is back in action March 18 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (2 p.m. "She has her down points where she remembers things that she and her mom did. Women's Sport: Who is Lesa France Kennedy, the CEO of - GiveMeSport Few were happy with Brian France's leadership style, and when he was arrested. Growing Up NASCAR: Lesa France Kennedy Drives The Future Of - Forbes In leading the new, combined company, Jim France will serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, with Lesa France Kennedy as Executive Vice Chair. Before the plane reached the airport, it crashed into a large two-story home in Sanford. "We are not close" said MEC Chair Garth Thompson. Cruz said it's uncertain when Dechat will be able to live again with his wife and stepson. Kennedy's first husband, Dr. Bruce Kennedy, was killed in a plane in Sanford, Florida on July 10, 2007. In 2002, she led two development projects, creating Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland Speedway and expanding ISCs portfolio into two major Midwest markets. [12]. He also works with a nonprofit organization his wife had helped start that ministers to girls in need of guidance. In 1996, her leadership launched Daytona USA (later named Daytona 500 Experience) at the Daytona International Speedway, opening the destinations first year-round motorsports attraction and museum. 120 Lesa Kennedy Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Images Creative Editorial Video Creative Editorial FILTERS CREATIVE EDITORIAL VIDEO 120 Lesa Kennedy Premium High Res Photos Browse 120 lesa kennedy stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Kennedy is the granddaughter of NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr. and daughter of Bill France Jr., who served as NASCAR President from 1972-2000. espnW -- NASCAR's Lesa France Kennedy maintains low but powerful profile "I think, really, that first year, the most special moments I had were when he and I would learn something new together," Kennedy said "And we would look back and laugh and say, 'Well, your dad knew how to start the boat and I don't. in Economics and a B.A. Lesa France Kennedy, his sister, ran International Speedway Corp., the arm of the family that owned racetracks. "I was in the sewage truck that goes through the driver-owner lot.". A Daytona Beach native, Kennedy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and psychology from Duke University. Lesa France Kennedy, his sister, ran International Speedway Corp., the arm of the family that owned racetracks. START: Bryce Harper, two-time National League MVP, will give the command to start engines at 3:38 p.m. The green flag is scheduled to wave at 3:49 p.m. PRERACE: Cup garage opens at 12:30 p.m. Drivers meeting at 2:40 p.m. Driver introductions are at 3:05 p.m. Invocation will be given by Motor Racing Outreachs Billy Mauldin at 3:30 p.m. Terry Fator will perform the national anthem at 3:31 p.m. In addition to her 18% stake in the stock car governing body itself, she serves as CEO of International Speedway Corp., a public sister company that runs many of the racetracks. We have estimated Lesa Kennedys net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. Lesa France Kennedy Archives - NASCAR Talk | NBC Sports ", Also on Sunday, Ben Kennedy talks with Miller about his racing career, and growing up in the family business. Klemm's 80-year-old father, Alan, still struggles to cope. Lesa France Kennedy honored by Forbes - Official Site Of NASCAR He has some eyesight problems. Frnace, who died in 2016 at age 78, was the widow of the late NASCAR Chairman and CEO Bill France and the mother of current NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France and International Speedway. All American Speakers Bureau is a full-service talent booking agency providing information on booking Lesa France Kennedy for speaking engagements, personal appearances and corporate events. She was then appointed president of ISC after her father, Bill France, Jr. stepped down. Lesa Kennedy Profiles | Facebook Please Note: All American Speakers Bureau is a full-service talent booking agency providing information on booking Lesa France Kennedy for speaking engagements, personal appearances and corporate events. In a wide-ranging interview, Kennedy opens up about rebuilding her life after losing her husband; guiding her son, Ben Kennedy, on his NASCAR driving career; efforts to broaden the reach of stock car racing across the country; and the future of the International Speedway Corporation's Daytona International Speedway. "There's no doubt about it. Andrea Adelson contributed to this report. Est. Kennedy is the granddaughter of NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr. and daughter of Bill France Jr., who served as NASCAR President from 1972-2000. The accident comes just over one month after Bill France Jr., the father of Lesa Kennedy and Brian France and longtime chairman of Nascar, died June 4 after a long illness. Autoweek participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Husband of NASCAR's Lesa France-Kennedy Killed in Plane Crash Betty Jane France splits estate between 2 children And there were just maybe some things like that that would help bring back the memory and we'd have a lighthearted moment about it. Discover Lesa Kennedy's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Zero Sums It Up, Volvos Parent Company Could Export This EV Truck, DOE Loan Program Makes a Bet on Battery Recycling, Tragedy in Florida: Husband of Lesa France Kennedy Killed in Plane Crash. Wendy Klemm, widow of pilot Michael Klemm, was considering a visit to Sanford today to "gather my thoughts." Left-handed batters, hurt by the increasingly popular practice of bunching defenders on one side of the field, are exacting their revenge by signing sweet post-shift contracts. Kyle Petty sits down with Lesa France Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice chair, in the most recent Coffee with Kyle episode (view it above). Women In NASCAR: Lesa France Kennedy - YouTube Lesa France Kennedy | CEO Connection STAGES: Stage 1 ends at Lap 80. Kennedy received a B.A. In the interview with Petty at the NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida, Kennedy details life growing up in a household focused on racing and shares intimate views of her mother, father and grandfather. NASCAR's Lesa France Kennedy on confronting loss - CBS News Lesa France Kennedy, (born Lesa Dawn France on May 24, 1961) is an American businesswoman and Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR. Lesa France Kennedy, (born Lesa Dawn France on May 24, 1961) is an American businesswoman and Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR. in Psychology from Duke University in 1983. Janise Joseph Woodard, a promising law-school student, and her infant son, Josiah, died inside their home from the fire. Lesa France Kennedy serves on the Board of Directors of the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), the NASCAR Foundation and the Board of Advisors of Moffitt Cancer Center. Then, a month later, her husband, Dr. Bruce Kennedy, died in a small plane crash not far from the family's Florida home. Lesa Kennedy - Net Worth February 2023, Salary, Age, Siblings, Bio Column: Kennedy takes bold risks with NASCAR family business Facebook gives people the power to. France family - Forbes Lesa France Kennedy, the CEO of International Speedway Corporation and member of NASCAR's board of directors, was named Wednesday as Forbes' Most Powerful Woman in Sports. Next door to Woodard's house, there is an empty lot -- once the home of the Dechat family. The Kaulig Racing driver earned the pole with a lap of 183.119 mph. "This is what helps me," Woodard said Wednesday, pointing to the house where construction workers toiled. Kennedy received a B.A. Follow CBS Sunday Morning on Twitter and Facebook. "And then, after a few minutes she'll come back.". in Economics and a B.A. Join Facebook to connect with Lesa Kennedy and others you may know. Lesa France Kennedy is the Executive Vice Chair of NASCAR. [7] In 2006, she was listed as one of the "25 Most Influential People in NASCAR" by the Charlotte Observer, "Most Influential Woman in Sports Business" by Volusia Flagler Business Report,[8] and was "Female Sports Executive of the Year" according to SportsBusiness Journal. "I ache," Alan Klemm said earlier this week. Betty Jane France splits estate between 2 children, Snowboarding mishap sidelines NASCAR's Elliott, Kurt Busch still not cleared from July concussion, Nemechek wins final NASCAR race at Fontana, Ky. Busch takes Fontana for 1st win with RCR, Rain pushes Xfinity Series at Fontana to Sunday, Rain washes out NASCAR qualifying at Fontana, Stenhouse wins longest Daytona 500 in history, Stenhouse's Daytona win shows the 500 is 'crazier' than ever, Hill goes last to 1st to win Xfinity season opener, Hamlin, Toyota drivers skip final Daytona practice, Johnson's team takeover irks NASCAR icon Petty, Beers, mullets and the Daytona 500: Inside Travis Pastrana's and Jimmie Johnson's friendship, J. Johnson tops Daytona 500 practice in return, Daytona 500 cheat sheet: Everything you need to know, IndyCar's Daly makes Daytona 500 with TMT, Trackhouse Racing signs Chastain to extension, Bowman secures Daytona pole; Johnson qualifies, Suarez signs 2nd Trackhouse Racing extension, Bowman signs 3-year extension with Hendrick, Dale vs. Dale: A Daytona 500 the Jarretts, NASCAR won't forget, Daytona 500 boasts eighth consecutive sellout, Ky. Busch apologizes for gun violations in Mexico, NASCAR's 2023 season will be a year of change, Daly, Mayweather team up for Daytona 500 run. Petty has talked to Mario Andretti, Roger Penske, Richard Childress, Jack Roush, Tony Stewart, Richard Petty and Bobby and Donnie Allison, among many others. By: Jim Utter Dec. DISTANCE: The race is 267 laps (400.5 miles) on the 1.5-mile speedway. Current ISC chief executive Lesa France Kennedy is Brian's older sister; she was married to a plastic surgeon, Dr. Bruce Kennedy, who died in a dramatic plane crash in 2007. Barely a month after the death of former NASCAR chairman Bill France, Jr., tragedy struck again when the husband of France's daughter, Lesa France Kennedy, was one of two men killed in a plane crash.